BEING BORN AGAIN.

 

MARCH 12.
 
Being born again.
I Peter 1:23
 

A NEW birth is absolutely necessary.
 
No one can possibly be saved without it.
 
Therefore Jesus told Nicodemus twice,
   that he must be born again.
 
As our first birth was necessary to bring us
  into this world, and
  fit us for its employments and enjoyments,
  so a second birth is necessary to bring us
  into the Church of Christ, and
  fit us for its duties and privileges.
 
No new birth,
  no true happiness here.
No new birth,
  no heaven at death.
 
But how shall I know that I am born again?
 
If prayer to God becomes natural, and is enjoyed;
 if we overcome the world,
  instead of being led away by its follies an its fashions;
 if we hate sin as sin, and
  strive and pray for deliverance from it;
 if we love our enemies,
  because Christ commanded it;
  and love the Saints, because they are holy;
 if we trust in the finished work of Christ,
  and glory in his cross;
 if we feel a deep concern for the salvation of others,
  and zealous in spreading abroad the truth,
  that Jesus may be honored; then,
  beyond a doubt, we are born of God.
 
Beloved, have you these evidences?
 
Have you any of them?
 
Let nothing satisfy you but
  the knowledge that you are born again.
 

Saints produce the fruits of grace

In the works of righteousness;

Born of God, they hate all sin;

God's pure word abides within.

 
James Smith 1849